How I Met Mate | Next Door to Forever: Ben and Stacy Lynn Massar

ROCKWALL, TX (Feb. 9, 2026) Sometimes the best love stories don’t begin with fireworks. They begin with friendly neighbors, crossed paths, and a little help from fate.

Our story starts in Heath, in the Buffalo Creek community, where my parents were friends with the man who lived right next door. They were always telling me what a kind and genuine person he was and how much they enjoyed visiting with him. That neighbor was Ben. At the time, I was living in California and had no idea how important that “nice man next door” would one day become to me.

When I moved back to Texas and began living with my parents, our paths officially crossed. Life had taken an unexpected turn for both of us — within just a few months of one another, my husband left me, and Ben’s wife left him. We were two people trying to rebuild, heal, and figure out the next chapter of our lives at the exact same time. I had just moved to Texas a month earlier, didn’t have any friends yet, and felt very alone.

I knew Ben was an attorney, so I asked him if he could refer me to someone who might be able to help me. That simple request sparked conversations, trust, and eventually a friendship that became the foundation of everything that followed.

We didn’t rush into anything. We were friends for a long time before we ever went on a date. We shared laughter, stories, long talks, and the kind of companionship that slowly but surely began to feel like home. Over two years later, that friendship turned into something deeper, and we got married — starting a new life together grounded in respect, resilience, and gratitude for second chances.

Today, we’ve been married for 11 wonderful years, and together our family proudly serves the Rockwall community. We are both active members of the Rotary Club, and our daughter Reagan is an officer in the Interact Club (Rotary for high school students). Reagan and I are also heavily involved with the National Charity League – Lone Star Chapter, which has brought us so many meaningful opportunities to give back.

Ben is currently serving as the Justice of the Peace for Precinct 2, and I work as a real estate broker helping families buy and sell homes right here in our community. Ben is also running for Judge of the Rockwall County Court at Law No. 1, a role that reflects his heart for service and deep commitment to our community.

Our blended family is one of our greatest joys. Alana recently got engaged and calls Austin home. Megan has graduated from college and is looking to build her life in either Austin or Dallas. Reagan is a junior at Rockwall High School, keeping us busy, proud, and very involved with the school district.

Looking back, it’s amazing to think that our story was growing quietly next door all along. What began with neighbors and timing became a beautiful partnership — proof that love sometimes shows up when life feels the most uncertain, and that friendship can be the beginning of something extraordinary. Neither of us was looking for love when we met. God had other plans, and we know we have been greatly blessed.

And here’s one more fun twist of fate: my parents, Don and Kathy Weintraub, were also neighbors growing up — they lived right across the street from one another! It seems that “marrying the neighbor” just runs in the family.

Story and photo submitted by Stacy Lynn Massar with Massar Realty Group. Photo by Indigo Peaks Photography.

Editor’s Note: Each year for Valentine’s Day, Blue Ribbon News asks local couples to share stories of how they met. Publishing their tales of true love has become one of our favorite traditions. This year the response was overwhelming. Stay tuned to our Facebook page as Valentine’s Day approaches. The names of several lucky participating couples will be randomly drawn to win gifts from our local prize sponsors – Culpepper Cattle Co., Dodie’s Cajun Diner, Zanata, Wickland’s Sweet Connection, Lakeside Florist, and Wildflower Wigs.